The second ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is officially underway with a surprise, as Pakistan’s captain Shaheen Shah Afridi did not appear for the toss.
In his stead, Salman Ali Agha was handed the leadership duties for the game, raising concerns among Pakistani fans. The team management has now confirmed that Shaheen Afridi will miss today’s contest due to illness, not injury. There has been no official word on whether he will be fit to take part in the final ODI scheduled for Sunday.
The left-armer has played every game since being named captain of the ODI side, leading his team to a 3–1 record.
Shaheen Afridi wasn’t the only change in the Pakistan team ahead of the second match. Faheem Ashraf has also been rested, with Abrar Ahmed replacing him in the playing XI.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s decision to hand captaincy to Salman Ali Agha instead of former skipper Mohammad Rizwan could also raise some eyebrows. However, with the all-rounder already leading the T20I side, his promotion to captaincy isn’t surprising.
Despite the setback, Pakistan will be hoping to win today and seal the three-match series.
All eyes will now be on how Pakistan navigate the innings without their premier left-arm spearhead, and how Salman Ali Agha handles his stint as ODI captain.
